Yesterday (Tuesday), our plan was to drive from the Dingle Peninsula (where we’re currently staying) to Cork.

We did that, but we wound up stopping several times along the way.

Stop 1: Inch Beach (Dingle Peninsula)

Stop 2: The Blarney Castle

We hadn’t planned to stop here, but it was on the way and we weren’t in a hurry.

I had zero desire to kiss the Blarney Stone – but I talked Jon into doing it since the line wasn’t long and since it seemed like we (he) should do it since we climbed all the way up there. AND came all the way to Ireland to do just those kinds of touristy things.

He totally faked it.

He’s almost as weird as I am about germs.

I had two goals for Cork: a prison & food. Anybody who knows me well wouldn’t be surprised.

Cork City Gaol (19th century prison)

This place was pretty fascinating to me.

This creepy scene? Accompanied by SOUND.

Exercise:

Food:

Jon didn’t seem to be too bored.

We had walked (about 25 minutes) from the city center up to the prison, but we took a cab back – and I’m SO glad. The ride back was more informative than a tour.

Jon and I split a few things.

Sausage sandwich

Tomato + cheese + pesto pie.

Bacon + cheese + pineapple pie.

Fruit pie

We drove back to Dingle for dinner and wound up at a place called Ashe’s.

I have no idea what this was. Some sort of goat cheese something.

Jon had a steak + truffled mash. I had salmon + carrot puree.

After dinner, we went to a pub to drink/listen to music.

First thing I noticed was Barack Obama staring at me.

Fun night.

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Breakfast this morning (Wednesday):

I have no idea what this stuff is because it came from the buffet + I didn’t ask. The white stuff is some sort of yogurt that tasted like key lime pie.

Brown soda bread w/butter & jam.

Jon had porridge w/ Irish whiskey liqueur.

I had the full traditional breakfast.

We spent the day driving around the Dingle Peninsula. It was dreary and rainy – but FABULOUS. Seriously.

I almost feel bad taking/posting pictures because I am nowhere near talented enough to convey how beautiful this place is.

We stopped a bunch.

The whole thing is just sort of unbelievable.

We stopped for lunch at a cute restaurant (with an amazing view) we happened to find along the way.

I’ve noticed that most restaurants (including this one) indicate that their meat (and seafood, obv) is locally sourced. This one also appeared to have a garden out front.

I had a steak & cheese baguette.

Jon had chicken curry.

More driving after lunch.

We don’t have much planned for tonight. We’re both sort of tired and feeling like we need to pace ourselves.

Jon walked to a grocery store to pick up booze + he brought back a cookie + some sort of cheese so I ate/drank while uploading a million pictures (which can be seen unlabeled and unorganized here, if interested).